Clémence Nguyen-Vigouroux, researcher

Clémence Nguyen-Vigouroux,
researcher

"If you’re passionate about it, go for it!"

Originally from Brittany, Clémence Nguyen-Vigouroux always knew she wanted to pursue biology and academic research “to help improve human health.”

After studying engineering at the University of Technology of Compiègne and specializing in biotechnology, she further developed her scientific background through internships abroad. The young researcher is continuing on this path and is defending her thesis in biochemistry at the Institute of Integrative Cell Biology in Gif-sur-Yvette (Paris-Saclay University). Her topic: cell migration and adhesion at the molecular level. Her thesis committee included Fanny Jaulin, a researcher at Gustave Roussy and head of the “Collective Invasion” team. An MBA in project management, completed through a work-study program at Sanofi, allowed her to simultaneously “develop a vision for pharmaceutical product development.”

To pursue a career in oncology research, Clémence Nguyen-Vigouroux joined Gustave Roussy and Fanny Jaulin’s team for her postdoctoral fellowship in 2021. In addition to the freedom and flexibility offered by the Institute’s environment, she particularly appreciates the “intellectually stimulating environment and the direct link between research and clinical practice, which facilitates our work.”

The focus of her research—“Does the concept of plasticity apply to collective migration?”—specifically targets colorectal cancer metastases, which account for 90% of deaths. “The goal is to understand how these groups of tumor cells are able to adapt their mode of migration and switch from one mode to another,” explains Clémence Nguyen-Vigouroux. “Uncovering the mechanisms that enable this collective migration plasticity will help identify new potential therapeutic targets.”

In her day-to-day work, the researcher enjoys tackling technical and scientific challenges. “Solutions don’t always come immediately, but they can emerge during formal or informal discussions, in the shower, or even in a dream...” Her challenge: “the vastness of what remains to be discovered”—which ensures she’s never bored. “Every small discovery brings a glimmer of hope and improves patients’ outcomes. That motivates me every day. Seeing the impact—whether short- or long-term—of my research is truly inspiring!” 

For Clémence Nguyen-Vigouroux, it’s no harder to do this job as a woman. Her advice to aspiring scientists? “If you’re passionate, go for it! Live your passion! Research is fraught with pitfalls and setbacks, and it requires a lot of effort, patience, and perseverance, but every discovery, no matter how small, is another step forward!”